This is the second post I've put on tonight so I hope that's OK, but I'm curious as to whether anyone else's puppy does this. Wilson is 11 months old and absolutely loves playing with snails. He'll find one in the garden and then flick it around, pouncing on it and then rolling on it, writhing around on the grass in what looks like sheer bliss. He rarely actually chews it - it seems to be more about flicking it around and rolling on it. It will entertain him for about 15 minutes and then he'll complete ignore it afterwards. It's very funny to watch and although I feel a bit sorry for the snail it does seem to be largely intact afterwards. I just don't understand the fascination for them!
Hi you can post when you want too I’m sure. I’m not sure, I know slugs aren’t good for dogs. It’s just something that Wilson is interested in. We all like differs things Wilson’s is snails, Mason loves cardboard/ juice cartons
If you're in the UK it would be a good idea to check with your vet whether you are in a risk area for lungworm (contracted from slugs and snails). If you are it might be a good idea to use a preventativ treatment such as Advocate (prescribed by a vet.) Many years ago my cocker spaniel used to munch up snails! This was before lungworm had spread to our area so was safe.
My girl does the exact same thing with unripe apples found on the lawn. She is so joyful in her play you'd think she'd found manna from heaven!
Thanks Emma. Wilson loves cardboard and paper too and will spend an energetic few minutes tearing up anything he can get his teeth on!
It's so funny to watch isn't it? But I'm now a bit concerned about lungworm as mentioned by someone else so will check into that. Fortunately he doesn't seem to actually eat them.
Caspar does this too, but he does crunch the shells sometimes, though I don't think he eats the actual contents. We do not have lungworm in our area, but do bear in mind that it is present in other parts of the country if you are away with your dog. Local dog walkers are probably the best source of info if your own vet is unsure.
Thanks for that - will be checking into whether lungworm is in our area and keeping a watchful eye on Wilson!
Post as much as you want! (At one stage I think I was posting a dozen threads a day....). Pongo went through a phase of wanting to eat slugs and snails. I worried because of the lungworm risk (although our vet said not a big risk here). But after a few weeks he lost interest and went on to explore other (equally disgusting) things. Now that he is all grown up he is actually quite disinterested in all that. But - obviously - we now never, NEVER use slug killer pellets in the garden.
